This tender relates to the programme, Outstanding Teaching Learning and Assessment (OTLA) phase 8 – action research for English teachers in the Further Education and Training (FE) sector. OTLA is one of the ETF’s longest running programmes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).1 The nature and format of the programme have evolved over time, but it continues to be based around a set of central principles:
There is an overall focus on improving outcomes for learners
There is collaboration within and across providers
Activity is research informed and draws on appropriate expertise
It takes place over a sustained period of time
Activity is evaluated to assess the impact on learners
This tender relates to the programme, Outstanding Teaching Learning and Assessment (OTLA) phase 8 – action research for English teachers in the Further Education and Training (FE) sector. OTLA is one of the ETF’s longest running programmes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).1 The nature and format of the programme have evolved over time, but it continues to be based around a set of central principles:
There is an overall focus on improving outcomes for learners
There is collaboration within and across providers
Activity is research informed and draws on appropriate expertise
It takes place over a sustained period of time
Activity is evaluated to assess the impact on learners
This programme is funded through our grant from the Department for Education (DfE). This year the focus of OTLA is enabling to take charge of their own CPD through undertaking collaborative action research projects. This CPD programme has previously achieved high levels of participation and positive feedback from participants across the country. The ETF are seeking one delivery partner who will be able deliver both strands and develop and expand the programme further. The two strands of activity making up this requirement are set out in further detail below:
1. The development and delivery of a national programme of CPD to enable English, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Essential Digital Skills (EDS) teachers to undertake collaborative action research projects.
2. The design and pilot of two FutureLearn courses: one on how to conduct action research in Further Education and one on how to lead or support research projects in Further Education settings.